Chicago vs Buffalo Prediction 14 April 2026
🔊 The remaining games for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, and consequently a better playoff seeding, promise to be fiercely contested. Buffalo might have caught a break here, as they face off against Chicago, the 15th team in the Western Conference, who have no playoff ambitions left. But is the matchup between an underdog and a leader really that straightforward? Let's delve into the statistical patterns and the clubs' head-to-head history to offer an insightful prediction for this NHL regular season game.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past three seasons, Chicago and Buffalo have faced off five times, with the Sabres emerging victorious in every encounter. Furthermore, the Blackhawks have failed to defeat their opponent in regulation time for nine consecutive games, managing just one overtime win during this stretch.
Head-to-head statistics Chicago - Buffalo
Chicago Blackhawks Team Overview
Jeff Blashill's team has dropped 8 of their last 9 games, most recently falling to the St. Louis Blues 5-3. In 9 of their last 10 outings, Chicago has conceded at least three goals. The Blackhawks are at the bottom of the Central Division and second-to-last in the Western Conference. They are set to finish the season 15th in the West.
At home, the Blackhawks have lost their last six games-a season-worst streak. In 16 of their last 17 home games, Chicago has failed to score more than three goals. Since the Olympic break in February, the Blackhawks have played eight home games, managing just one victory. Their performance at the United Center during this stretch includes an average of 2.50 goals scored (29th in the league) and 4.38 goals allowed (worst in the league) per game.
Chicago's injury list still includes defensemen Ethan Del Mastro, Shea Weber, Ryan Ellis, and Matt Grzelcyk, as well as forwards Artyom Levshunov and Oliver Moore. Del Mastro and Moore are expected to play in the remaining regular-season games.
Match Results: Chicago Blackhawks
Buffalo Sabres Team Overview
The Sabres head into their final road game of the regular season riding a three-game winning streak against the Tampa Bay Lightning (4-2), New York Rangers (5-3), and Columbus Blue Jackets (5-0). Buffalo currently leads the Atlantic Division, but they could easily drop to third place, which would mean facing a much tougher opponent in the first round. A win in this upcoming game would secure home-ice advantage for the Sabres in the opening round.
Since the season resumed, the Sabres have won 72.7% of their away games and earned points in 81.8% of them. During this stretch, they've averaged 3.64 goals scored (6th best in the league) and 2.36 goals allowed (4th best in the league) per game on the road.
For the game in Chicago, forward Justin Danforth may return to the lineup. However, goaltender Alex Lyon, along with forwards Sam Carrick and Noah Östlund, will need more time to recover. Jiří Kulich is out for the remainder of the season.
Match Results: Buffalo Sabres
⚡️ Leaders
The leading scorer for Chicago is Connor Bedard, who has tallied 73 points (30 goals, 43 assists) this season. Chicago Blackhawks' top goal scorer, Tyler Bertuzzi, has netted 32 goals. Connor Bedard has registered points in four of his last five games, while Anton Frondell has scored in each of his last three outings.
For the Sabres, Tage Thompson is the standout in terms of point production this season, amassing 79 points (38 goals, 41 assists). He ranks among the top 15 goal scorers in the league. Buffalo's top playmaker is Rasmus Dahlin, who is the sixth-highest-scoring defenseman in the NHL with 53 assists. The Swede has recorded points in each of his last four games.
🥅 Goaltenders
Chicago's goaltender Spencer Knight has played in 14 games since the Olympic break, posting a save percentage of 89.4% with a goals-against average of 3.29. His backup, Arvid Söderblom, featured in nine games from February to April, stopping 89.1% of shots (GAA 3.62). Knight has conceded at least three goals per game in six of his last seven appearances.
Buffalo's first-choice goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is hitting a consistently high level heading into the playoffs. In 13 games from February to April, the Finn boasts a save percentage of 91.9% with a goals-against average of 2.31. Injured Alex Lyon has been unconvincing in recent outings, while Sabres' third goalie Colten Ellis recently achieved his first career shutout, stopping 37 shots against Columbus.
Editorial Prediction
Buffalo's skill and ambition should be enough to secure two points from Illinois. The stats also favor the Sabres, as Buffalo have triumphed over Chicago in 8 of their last 9 encounters. Considering the Blackhawks have lost 8 of their last 9 games and all six recent home matches, a bet on Buffalo Sabres to win the game (including overtime and shootouts) seems like a solid choice.
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Betting Tips: Chicago Blackhawks - Buffalo Sabres
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